Odion Ighalo opens goalscoring account for Al Hilal in Saudi League opener

Odion Ighalo commenced the 2022-23 Saudi Professional League season as he ended the 2021-22 season by helping Al Hilal to claim a win over Al Khaleej Club. The veteran Nigerian striker recorded a goal and an assist for his side in their 2-0 win.

Having won the league’s Golden Boot with 24 goals in 2021-22 and seen his side win the league title, Ighalo returned to the side for their season opener looking to continue from where he stopped last season. It took only three minutes for the 33-year-old to open his account for the season as he reacted quickest to tap the ball into an empty net after the Al Khaleej goalkeeper parried a shot into his path.

Ighalo goal vs Al Khaleej

The former Manchester United striker continued to be involved and played a pivotal role in his side’s second goal. He received the ball inside his own half before executing a turn and pinging a cross-field pass to strike partner Moussa Marega, leaving the Malian striker with the easy task of slotting the ball beyond the onrushing Al Khaleej goalkeeper after 25 minutes of the encounter.

Al Hilal barely broke any sweat as they saw out their win, starting their title defence with a win and clean sheet.

Odion Ighalo assist